Comprehensive plans to enhance and increase Additional Learning Needs provision by more than 100 new formal places city-wide, could take place from September 2024 if agreed by Cardiff Council’s Cabinet.
The proposals acknowledge the growing population of learners with complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions and emotional health and wellbeing needs, and look to address the increased demand for specialist placements for primary and secondary age learners. They include:
- establishing a new 8 place Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Baden Powell Primary School from September 2024 within the existing buildings.
- establishing an 8 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Fairwater Primary School from September 2024. This would replace the existing Wellbeing Class.
- establishing a new 16 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Herbert Thompson Primary School from September 2025, within existing buildings or a new building.
- establishing a 16 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Lakeside Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings. This would replace the existing Wellbeing Class.
- establishing an 8 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Springwood Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings. This would replace the existing Wellbeing Class.
- establishing a 20-place SRB for learners with Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
- establishing a 20 place SRB for Autism at Coed Glas Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
- establishing a 20 place SRB for Complex Learning Needs and /or Autism at Greenway Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
- establishing a 20 place SRB for Complex Learning Needs and/or Autism at Severn Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
Following the publication of statutory notices for all nine schemes,there were no objections to the proposals for Baden Powell Primary School, Herbert Thompson Primary School, Lakeside Primary School, Springwood Primary School, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, Coed Glas Primary School, Greenway Primary School and Severn Primary School.
Only one objection was madeto the published proposal for the establishment of a specialist resource base at Fairwater Primary Schoolwhich the Cabinet will be informed of at its meeting on June 20th 2024.
The objection referenced the on-site fencing around the Fairwater Primary School playing fields and the removal of access to the field by the wider community.
In response, the Council has clarified that there are no changes proposed to the boundary of the school related to the proposed establishment of the specialist resource base. The fencing off of the school field is being undertaken in order to establish a secure line for the agreed expansion of The Court Special School (Ysgol Cynefin).
Neighbouring properties to the school do not have formal permission to access the school’s fields. As safeguarding forms a key part of the Council’s responsibility as a landlord and Local Education Authority, and is a key responsibility of the head teacher and governing body, to the Council must ensure that the school site and its building are safe, appropriate security is in place and a secure line is created, in line with requirements as outlined in Secure by Design standards which are used for all new school developments.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “There has been overall support for the establishment of SRB provision supporting learners with Complex Learning Needs and/or Autism, and learners with Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs and theseplans will provide a phased increase in places which aim to foster an inclusive approach to address the unique requirements of learners, with a focus on enhancing capacity and delivering an innovative curriculum through suitable provision
“The proposed changes would be carefully planned so that the school’s leadership and governance are not disrupted, and staff ratios, skills and experience will be kept under review in all settings. We have developed a specification for resource bases that can be adapted for various settings and we are working with schools to identify appropriate locations within the existing buildings with appropriate investment to ensure that facilities are fit for purpose.
“The consensus from schools currently hosting resource bases is that the experience enhances learning for all pupils, and further strengthens the inclusive ethos of the school and the community.Importance is placed on early identification, research-based intervention, accessible school buildings and strong multi-agency partnerships, which together can ensure that no learner is left behind and is provided with equal opportunities to thrive.”
The report will be reviewed by Cardiff’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on 17 June 2024.
